When John and Cindy Lupi created Justix, they had always envisioned it as a national franchise. After two years refining the fast-casual skewer concept, the husband and wife team has kicked Justix' franchising program into high gear.

The Lupis came up with Justix in 2004. At the time, they owned Countryside Cafe, an upscale restaurant in Marble Hill, Ga.; they previously worked as managers for the Peasant Restaurant Group, an Atlanta-based multiconcept operator. Although they had restaurant experience, the Lupis had no experience with franchising. So they partnered with Mike Lassiter of Atlanta-based Franchising Concepts to develop a viable concept for franchising.

Justix debuted in Roswell, Ga., in December 2005. Today guests choose a protein such as chicken or tofu for their skewers; sides such as steamed broccoli or sweet-potato fries; and brown or white rice. Then they head to the sauce bar, which features 13 sauces such as Bodacious Blue Cheese.

According to John Lupi, the mix-and-match nature of the concept sets it apart. Guests create their own flavor profiles and make their meals as healthful or indulgent as they want. “We wanted it to be one of those concepts that let the customer have complete autonomy over what they were going to eat,” he says.

Justix features a modern look with light wood, stainless steel and brightly colored walls.

It costs $230,000 to $300,000 to open a unit, which is about 1,800 to 2,000 square feet. Although the Roswell store only generates $450,000 in sales, Lupi says volumes will increase to $550,000 to $600,000 because of changes to the concept.

Last year Justix expanded its menu to eliminate the veto vote. It added brown and white rice, macaroni and cheese, and asparagus salad as sides, as well as wraps and entree salads.

Justix also developed a breakfast menu for units in business districts, where dinner is slow. Units in a mix of residential and business areas will have the option to include a small bar with a few wines and beers to drive dinner business.

Beyond refining the concept, Justix has turned to experts to accelerate expansion. It recently hired Concept Manager Chad Holmes. Last fall it partnered with the Findley Group, a Waco, Texas-based franchise sales and consulting company contracted to sign 80 franchisees in the next three years. Justix has also hired an advertising firm and real-estate company with a national brokerage network.

This year Justix will open a company unit in Atlanta, which will serve as a training store.

A franchised store opened in Kentucky in August. Because it recently kick-started its franchising program, Justix hasn't signed more franchisees yet. However, it expects at least five franchised stores open by year-end, most likely in the South and West.

The company hopes to have 50 restaurants in five years.